What Does an Architect Actually Do?
Architects do much more than produce construction drawings.
GETTING STARTEDPLANNING YOUR PROJECTDESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
10/13/20262 min read
Many people imagine an architect creating design sketches, building a model, or drawing plans. But these are only part of the job.
Good architectural work usually starts before the first line is ever drawn.
Listening
An architect first works at understanding you as an individual, as well as your needs and project goals. How do you live or work? What are you trying to accomplish? How do you plan to use the space? What is frustrating about the current space? What matters most if the budget becomes tight? A good architect will want to get to know you before they ever start designing.
Programming
Programming and space planning happen early in the design process. A program is a written description of every space that will be required in the design. The program would include the type of activity within each space, square footage requirements, desired adjacencies to other spaces, natural lighting requirements, and special features (such as requirements regarding plumbing, public access, privacy, etc.).
To determine the program, the architect endeavors to understand your needs. An owner may say, “We need a bigger kitchen.” The architect may ask several questions to understand the cause of that statement. The real need might be more storage, better circulation, or a stronger connection to the dining room, not simply just more square feet in the kitchen.
Existing conditions
Once the program is fully developed, the architect makes an in depth investigation of the existing condition of the property. For an existing building, this may include photographs, measuring, reviewing records, looking at structure, identifying utilities, and carefully observing existing conditions that could affect the new design.
Design
Conceptual design explores possible solutions. Zoning and building codes, program spaces, structure, light, views, energy, materials, and budget begin working together.
As the design develops, drawings become more detailed. The architect coordinates consultants, prepares detailed permit documents, and addresses comments to the documents in order to obtain a building permit.
Construction
Depending on the contract agreement, an architect may include assisting with bidding, and providing construction administration. They may visit the project site during construction at agreed milestones, answer design questions, review certain submittals, and help resolve unexpected conditions. This is different from being the contractor or building inspector.
Not every architect provides every service. And honestly, your project may not need every service.
So it's important to ask:
“What services do I need?"
"What services are included in the owner-architect agreement?”
There are a lot of tasks that an architect will perform to design your project effectively. So understanding the project scope of work is just as important as understanding the architect's scope of services that are included.
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